Connecting hearts,
creating homes We believe that every child in the UK deserves a stable, loving home. The only thing standing between a child in need and a life-changing foster carer is a bridge of clear, honest, and independent support. We exist to build that bridge, ensuring no potential carer is lost to confusion or complexity, so that the fostering community can grow and children can thrive. Learn more

Urgent
Fostering
Needs With 8,000 new carers needed and 80,000 children in care, the UK faces a fostering crisis. 20% of carers leave within a year, your help is crucial. 8000 New foster
carers needed 80,000 Children in
foster care 20% of foster carers leave
withing a year

What is Fostering Types of fostering Fostering includes short-term care, long-term placements, therapeutic support for additional needs, and respite care to give carers planned breaks while maintaining stability for children. Almost anyone over 21, with a spare room, a caring nature, and a commitment to improving a child’s life, can become a foster carer. Who can foster? Fostering is the loving and temporary care of a child who cannot live with their birth family. Foster carers provide a safe, stable home where children can feel supported, cared for, and understood. Why foster? Fostering changes lives—both for children in need and for the carers who provide them with hope, stability, and love.

Assessment Process Becoming a foster carer involves a careful and supportive assessment to ensure children’s safety and wellbeing.
The process usually takes a few months, with support at every step to guide you. Initial enquiry: Speak to a fostering advisor and attend an information session. arrow_forward arrow_forward Application Submit your application and personal references. arrow_forward Home study & assessment: A social worker will visit your home and discuss your experience, skills, and suitability. Training: Complete mandatory fostering training courses. Approval: The fostering panel reviews your assessment, and you are approved as a foster carer. arrow_forward arrow_downward arrow_downward arrow_downward arrow_downward

Can I foster?

Not sure? We offer honest, independent guidance — no pressure, just clarity. You don’t need to be perfect to foster, just caring, committed, and open to learning. Foster carers come from all walks of life, and many people are more eligible than they think. Get in touch Ready to explore fostering?
We’ll help you:

• Understand the different fostering routes
• Check what support is available in your area
• Talk through your situation honestly and confidentially

Allowances & Pay Figures vary by Local Authority, agency, and placement type. We help you understand what support is available in your area — clearly and honestly. Figures vary by Local Authority, agency, and placement type. We help you understand what support is available in your area — clearly and honestly. Foster carers receive financial support to cover the cost of caring for a child, so fostering should not leave you out of pocket. While amounts vary by location, agency, and a child’s needs, the figures below reflect typical UK ranges.

Fostering allowances:
Weekly allowances usually range from £150–£300 per child, depending on age. This covers everyday costs such as food, clothing, transport, and activities.

Foster carer pay (fees):
Some carers, particularly those working with Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs), receive additional payments of around £200–£500 per week, reflecting skills, experience, and the level of care required.

Benefits & additional support:
Many foster carers can also access training, paid respite, and tax relief through fostering-specific allowances, which can significantly reduce tax on fostering income.

Foster Hubs FosterHubs provide local support, guidance, and community for foster carers across the UK. We are initially focused on the Midlands, where our first regional hubs are based, with plans to expand into other areas over time.

Through our Midlands hubs, you can connect with local foster carers, access regional training and events, and receive ongoing advice from experienced professionals who understand the local fostering landscape.

If you’re outside the Midlands, we can still offer guidance and help you explore fostering options in your area as we grow. Get in touch

regional foster hubs can i foster? allowances & pay get in touch markunread What is fostering?